Death threats against Labour challenger Eagle mean Luton venue is moved

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Published:14:12Tuesday 12 July 2016

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A Luton event involving Labour leadership challenger Angela Eagle has been moved to a new venue after the hotel where it was due to be held received threats, the MP’s office has said.

The incident emerged shortly after a brick was thrown through a window at Ms Eagle’s office in her Wallasey constituency on Merseyside.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn - who is fighting Ms Eagle’s attempt to unseat him - has appealed for calm and urged party members to treat each other with “respect and dignity”.

The Labour leader said it was “extremely concerning” that Ms Eagle had

been the victim of a threatening act and there should be no place for violence in politics.

A spokesman for the MP said that police in Luton had been informed of threats allegedly directed at an event at the Leaside Hotel she was due to attend in tLuton.

“A brick was thrown through the window of Angela Eagle’s constituency office in Wallasey either overnight or this morning. The police were informed and have visited,” said the spokesman.

He added: “A members’ meet-and-greet and Q&A in Luton today with local MP Gavin Shuker had to be relocated after the venue, a hotel, apparently received threats.

“Police were informed and have offered protection for the event. Angela is continuing with the visit as planned.”

In a statement, Mr Corbyn said he had received death threats this week.

“It is extremely concerning that Angela Eagle has been the victim of a threatening act and that other MPs are receiving abuse and threats,” hesaid.

“As someone who has also received death threats this week and previously, I am calling on all Labour Party members and supporters to act with calm and treat each other with respect and dignity, even where there is disagreement.